Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour – How to Plan Your Tour

Are you looking for a unique way to explore the colorful streets and hidden alleys of Toronto’s downtown? Look no further than the Kensington Market Self-Guided Audio Tour. This tour offers an immersive experience that takes you through one of the city’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your Kensington Market audio tour.

Step 1: Booking Your Tour

You can book your self-guided audio tour by clicking on this link: book the tour here. This tour is offered by a reputable third-party company, and you’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after booking.

Step 2: Preparing for Your Tour

Before you begin your tour, make sure you have a fully charged smartphone and headphones. You’ll also need to download the free VoiceMap app, which is available for both Android and iPhone. Once you’ve downloaded the app, search for the “Kensington Market: Self-Guided Tour” and download it before your visit. If you have any issues downloading the app or the Kensington Market tour, don’t hesitate to contact the tour operator.

Step 3: Starting Your Tour

Once you arrive at Kensington Market, launch the tour on the VoiceMap app and press play. The audio guide will lead you through the neighborhood, highlighting historical landmarks, colorful street art, and local businesses. You can pause and restart the tour at any point, which allows for flexibility in your schedule. The audio tour lasts roughly an hour, but feel free to take your time and explore at your own pace.

Step 4: What You’ll See on Your Tour

The Kensington Market audio tour is full of interesting stops and sights, including:

Baldwin Street

Known as “the narrowest street in Toronto,” Baldwin Street is a must-see destination in Kensington Market. Lined with colorful houses, cafes, and markets, it’s a great place to soak in the neighborhood’s bustling energy.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a street art mural that showcases vibrant colors and intricate patterns. It’s a great photo opportunity and a testament to Toronto’s thriving street art scene.

Kensington Market Sign

Take a selfie with the iconic Kensington Market sign, located at the intersection of Kensington Avenue and Augusta Avenue. It’s a great reminder of your visit to this unique neighborhood.

Artists and Makers

Kensington Market is known for its creative community of artists and makers. As you walk through the neighborhood, be sure to check out local galleries, markets, and boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs.

Step 5: Ending Your Tour

The tour ends at the intersection of St. Andrew Street and Kensington Avenue, but feel free to continue exploring the neighborhood on your own. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to discover.

Conclusion

Planning your Kensington Market self-guided audio tour is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps and you’ll be ready to explore one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighborhoods in no time. Remember to bring your smartphone, headphones, and download the VoiceMap app to get started. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kensington Market and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Downtown Toronto’s Kensington Market

If you’re looking for an offbeat and quirky side of Toronto, look no further than Kensington Market. Nestled within downtown Toronto, this vibrant neighborhood is bursting with color, culture, and character. The eclectic mix of vintage shops, art galleries, boutique stores, and street vendors makes Kensington Market an ideal destination for those looking for an alternative to the typical tourist traps. Here is your insider guide to exploring the best of Kensington Market.

Local Attractions

Kensington market is a mecca for tourists and locals alike. Start your tour at Bellevue Square Park, where you can find public art installations, live music performances, and community events. From there, wander around the neighborhood’s streets and alleyways and discover its charm. Be sure to stop by the Market Gallery at 95 Front St. East to explore the neighborhood’s rich history through a rotating collection of exhibitions.

A must-visit spot is Chinatown, which is right next door to Kensington Market. Check out the vibrant markets selling exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and other Chinese specialties. Finding a spot to grab a cup of bubble tea, explore boba is a must-do in Chinatown.

Dining Spots

Kensington Market is a foodie’s paradise. With an extensive range of dining options to explore, you will find many quality food options. Here are some local favorites:

– Seven Lives Tacos: This tiny Mexican eatery makes some of the best tacos in Toronto.
– Mahjong Bar: This speakeasy-style bar serves up outstanding food, cocktails, and immersive dim sum favorites
– Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffles: Enjoy the perfect comfort food at Dirty Bird.
– Bunner’s: This vegan and gluten-free bakery is guaranteed to satisfy all of your sweet cravings.

Cultural Experiences

If you are lucky enough to visit Kensington Market in the summer months, you can explore pedestrian Sundays, where the streets are closed to vehicles and turned into a bustling, vibrant street fair. Here is a list of cultural experiences that are unique to Kensington Market:

– Graffiti Street Art: Take a walking tour to discover the colorful and ever-changing collection of street art.
– Poetry Jazz Café Showcase: Relax in the intimate space filled with low lighting, warm furnishings, and beautiful poetry while enjoying the jazz performers’ eloquent playing.
– Kensington Market Jazz Festival: Enjoy free Jazz concerts, backyard jam sessions, and outdoor stages that take place in some of the neighborhood’s quaintest venues.

Local History

Kensington Market has been a center of Toronto’s cultural and political scene for over a century. You can learn about the rich cultural and historical significance of Kensington Market on guided tours or get a comprehensive experience at the Market Gallery. Don’t miss out on visiting the Riverdale Farm and the Joseph Bloore House, where Jospeh Bloore once resided, is a centerpiece of the neighborhood’s proud history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Kensington Market has hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Here are some off-the-beaten-path spots you should explore:

– Art Galleria: This hidden gem houses pop-up exhibitions of emerging artists’ works from all over the world.
– Hooked: Dive into Kensington Market’s seafood shops and try one of Hooked’s delicious fish platters.
– Otto’s Berlin Döner: Grab an authentic doner kebab and feel like you just entered a café in Berlin.

Conclusion

Kensington Market is a must-visit destination when in Toronto, offering visitors an offbeat and authentic view of the city. From vibrant street music festivals to incredible food and trendy boutiques, this neighborhood is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Use this insider’s guide to plan your itinerary, and don’t forget to leave some room to explore off-the-beaten-path spots. You won’t regret it.